Conservative or Liberal, Deist or Pagan, Jersey transplant or Lehigh Valley native, we're all in this mess together. Let's talk. Let us do no harm. Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne

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Monday, May 02, 2016

Federal Pay-to-Play Investigation Wider Than Allentown, Reading

Back in July, I told you how I thought the federal investigation into pay-to-play in Allentown and reading got its start. That's because Federal District Court Judge John E. Jones III seemed to be in no hurry to impose sentence against a state official who pleaded guilty shaking down vendors for campaign contributions. I speculated then that McCord was obviously providing prosecutors with useful information. His attorney admitted as much to the press at the time of McCord's February guilty plea. "In the fullness of time . . . you will have a lot to write about."

That prediction has come true.

At the current time, a status conference for McCord is scheduled for October.

We also now know, thanks to The Philadelphia Inquirer, that both McCord and Governor Ed Rendell's former chief of staff, John Estey, were wearing wires. Estey, who was at one time earning $736,000 a year from the Hershey Trust, embezzled $20,000 given to him by the FBI for illegal contributions.

On February 3, 2014, Pawlowski bowed out of the Governor's race, claiming that his "time and focus needs to be concentrated on the continued revitalization of Allentown." He immediately endorsed Rob McCord, who was standing by his side along with several Pawlowski puppets like State Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Pete Schweyer. McCord said that Pawlowski would play a "vital role" in the McCord administration. That very day, Pawlowski gave McCord $10,000 of other people's money from his Governor PAC, and sweetened the pot with another $5,000 on May 8, 2014.

Miked Fleck, who had already earned $33,500 from Pawlowski, now started billing McCord. He was paid $42,301.19 for his services between February 6, 2014 and May 18, 2014.

Representing two gubernatorial candidates, Fleck had raked in $75,801.19.

McCord did manage to pick up some Lehigh Valley support in a March visit. Easton Mayor Sal Panto, a Pawlowski and Fleck ally, gleefully bashed now Governor Wolf, claiming that “Democrats want someone who wants to work and earn a paycheck.” Later that day, Fed Ed took McCord on a tour of his realm at the Allentown's Farmers Market, using Schlossberg as a flunkie to carry the food bestowed upon the duo. According to reporter John Micek, who was shadowing them that day, both Pawlowski and Schlossberg "will ramble on about [McCord's] wonderfulness if they’re asked."

McCord's shakedowns began in recorded telephone calls he placed between April 18 and May 6, 2014.

Though Fed Ed is the big fish to people in the Lehigh Valley, this appears to be a far-ranging investigation into pay-to-play. It could extend well beyond Allentown, and seems to be focused on Democrats.

Sad really. They've spent years building a political empire and perfected the art of voter fraud to the point where any who would dare criticize is immediately laughed out of the conversation and wholly dismissed as a right wing racist extremist.

They've tossed it all aside for greed and hunger for power. They let their inability to make something of their lives outside of elected office get the better of them. They have wasted years of kid brother treatment from a willing pool of reporters all for the almighty ill gotten gain of someone else's money.

Morganelli raised good questions about Josh Shapiro's funding raising from Montco vendors, but the big white whale here is former Gov. Rendell. He raised millions of dollars running for office, handed out lots of contracts and cardboard checks and it looks like Estey, his chief of staff, was deeply involved in raising those funds.

If they would decide to prosecute every bit of pay-to-play in the state, they would need 10,s of thousands of investigators, this corruption is prevalent anywhere there is government money. It is no secret that the providers of astro turf to school districts have been wining and dining coaches and school board members across the state. this is just the visible pay-offs the bigger payoffs come after the deal and are most likely more substantial. There are many business's today who could not succeed without the assistance of government officials.

"Morganelli raised good questions about Josh Shapiro's funding raising from Montco vendors, but the big white whale here is former Gov. Rendell. He raised millions of dollars running for office, handed out lots of contracts and cardboard checks and it looks like Estey, his chief of staff, was deeply involved in raising those funds. "

Bingo. That's where i think this is really headed, but I doubt it ever gets there. If Rendell were dirty, wouldn't Estey have given him up long ago? As for Shapiro, I'fd like to know exactly what he had to do with the Johnny Doc money that was laundered for two Philly Council candidates thru a Fleck PAC in Reading.

Bernie, something doesn't seem right with the events surrounding John Estey. First, John comes from an extremely wealthy main line family. And himself was making a huge amount of money. His father was a long time powerful Philadelphia. And quite frankly the man is brilliant. So what would be the motivation to take $13,000? There seems to be more to this than meets the eye. Thoughts?

Estey was brought into the Milton Hershey School Trust to improve relations with Democratic Attorney General Kane, who was investigating the School for mis-use of tens of millions in charitable dollars.

Jamie Kelton is correct. My only caveat is that this is more about concentrated power than it is about political philosophy. I have voted Republican in two states (not at the same time, however) since 1972. My guess is much of the corruption in Republican states is by Republicans. When power is unchecked we get corruption. For most of the country, especially liberal states in the northeast the Dems lead the league. Term limits is the only answer to keep political leaders from becoming so entrenched that they think they are impervious to investigation. Heck,our local newspapers, the so-called guardians of the public trust, are still running puff pieces on the wonder of economic 'growth' in the valley. Growth, at least, in the delivery of fork lifts.

@ 8:31 - this is what happens when you have one party rule. This is what happens when the politicians have no fear of being voted out for their scams. This is what happens when the voter based is more uniformed than informed. This is what happens when cash flow and special interest groups like unions , illegals, the US Chamber, planned parenthood, the NRA,and many others own candidates.

See >> Mike Schlossberg. This is a huge scam artist who will eventually find himself on the front pages of the newspaper...that is , if the new paper actually did their job. Mr. ghost voter himself , is sweating right now !!!

I am a Democrat and will defend Democrats when they are right. But facts are facts. I am unable to defend this pay-to-play atmosphere, and it is my observation that the biggest offenders here in Pa. are Democrats.

Bernie,Truth be told on the reel of palumpa's as well as the whole the notorious Hamilton street gang o thugs R or D public and private there is swimming at all levels!? The parishinors of church on the run have been doing like fed Ed for years, its all in the head count?!Republican redd

Although Wilbur Hayes was a Democrat, I get your point. Political corruption exists in both parties. Here in Pa, you could add Orie and Melvin to the list. It nevertheless appars that this recent federal probe is focused on Dems, and that's just the way it is right now.

The latter did time in a federal pen. The previous seems to be chummy with Chuck Schumer. It pays to have friends in high places. Fast Eddie has them, others don't.

But, it's just a matter of time before the chickens come home to roost on the Rendell corruption ranch.

Oh, and ask Ralph Nader how corrupt and dirty PA Democrats can get. Ralph Nader was literally the subject to destroy in what later became known as "Bonus-Gate". Die hard partisan Democrats HATE Ralph Nader, because he is much like Bernie O'Hare. A stickler for ethics and the truth before party lines.